An unfiltered game that touched me

Under the moonlight at the beach, the sand stirs, and the sea turtle hatchlings begin their first journey. Tiny bodies pushing toward the sound of waves, moving through danger, and driven by instinct. And you have this rare chance to be their guide from the rookery to the ocean.

Say hello to a roll-and-write that has nine rounds, a beach full of obstacles, and choices that creates a butterfly effect. Crabs block paths, birds snatch the hatchlings and sharks wait at the edge of the surf. Every move counts, and every decision carries weight. That's Mon Repos in a nutshell!

What I didn’t expect was how much it would sting. Each lost turtle left a small ache, not because I lost points, but because it reminded me how fragile real life is on those shores. The game doesn’t romanticize nature; it shows it as it is, raw and ruthless.

And yet, there’s hope. You learn to plan, protect, and adapt. You make the most of what you have, and when a turtle finally reaches the ocean, you feel it deep down. You're happy.

I’ve been playing a lot of nature-themed PNPs lately, from tending a plant in Growing Grounds to trekking in 14ers. But this one felt different. Maybe it’s the vulnerability of the turtles, or daring to guide them through the ever-increasing obstacles.

A small request: Brilliant games deserve more exposure, especially the ones that slip under the radar. And I count Mon Repos among them. Be it the artwork, the unfiltered portrayal of nature, learning about the turtles’ life cycle, or the sheer depth the game achieves, give it a shot. You won’t regret it.

And you only have less than a couple of days to back the game!